Mac Danzig
Born
(1980-01-02) January 2, 1980 (age 44)
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Residence
Bend, Oregon, U.S.
Height
5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Weight
155 lb (70 kg; 11.1 st)
Division
Reach
70 in (180 cm)
Stance
Fighting out of
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Years active
2001–2014, 2017
Professional boxing record
Total
1
Losses
1
By knockout
1
Mixed martial arts record
Total
35
Wins
22
By knockout
5
By submission
11
By decision
6
Losses
12
By knockout
2
By submission
2
By decision
8
Draws
1
Amateur record
Total
6
Wins
5
By submission
4
By decision
1
Losses
1
By decision
1
Other information
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mac Danzig (born January 2, 1980) is an American mixed martial artist, who competed as a lightweight in several MMA promotions, most notably the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He was the winner of The Ultimate Fighter season six.
Danzig, of German and Scots-Irish descent, grew up in the greater Pittsburgh area before moving to Los Angeles to pursue his career.
In the past, Danzig was known for his association with R1 fight team (formerly RAW) and had been a student of Iowa wrestling standout Rico Chiapparelli and MMA fighter Frank Trigg. Since then he trained boxing extensively at both the Wild Card gym in Hollywood, California under Freddie Roach assistant Justin Fortune, and also Gil Martinez in Las Vegas, Nevada during his time on the Extreme Couture MMA Team.
While Danzig is known as an impressive grappler, having scored 12 of his victories by submission; he has proven himself to be an adept striker, most notably with his KO victory over Joe Stevenson and his TKO victory over former lightweight champion Takumi Nakayama.
After defeating Royce Gracie black belt Buddy Clinton on August 4, 2006, Danzig increased his winning streak to 12 in a row with a unanimous decision victory over Miletich fighter John Mahlow on September 29 in Calgary, Alberta Canada.
Danzig then lost his KOTC title to Clay French on January 19, 2007, by split decision.
In his first major fight, facing Hayato SakuraiatPRIDE 33 on February 24, Danzig lost the fight by KO (punch) at the 4:01 mark of round two.
Mac was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter 6, Danzig defeated Joe Scarola in a preliminary fight and later defeated John Kolosci to make it to the semifinals. He then defeated Kolosci (who had replaced an injured Matt Arroyo) again, and moved on to the finals where he submitted Tom Speer in the 1st round to become TUF Season 6 winner.
Danzig made his official UFC debut on December 8, 2007, where he won The Ultimate Fighter 6, defeating Tom Speer in the finals via rear naked choke at 2:01 of the first round. Before the fight, Danzig stated his intention to drop down in weight class to lightweight whether he won or lost, citing the size difference between himself and most of the other UFC welterweights.[1]
Danzig made his return to lightweight by defeating Canadian Mark Bocek via third round submission at UFC 83 on April 19, 2008.
On September 17, 2008, at UFC Fight Night, Danzig lost a unanimous decision to Clay Guida, who used his wrestling to control Danzig. Danzig gave Guida some problems on the feet in the first round displaying crisp striking skills. In the second and third rounds though, Danzig succumbed to Guida's wrestling offense, as his opponent controlled him for with takedowns and top control.
AtUFC Fight Night 17 he lost via triangle choke to Josh Neer. Both Danzig and Neer received Fight of the Night honors. The loss dropped Danzig to 1–2 in his post-TUF career. The two fighters exchanged on the feet quite evenly in a back and forth fight, but Neer's active guard caused Danzig problems as he was caught in the fight ending submission after getting on top following a scramble in the second round.
Danzig lost to Jim MilleratUFC 100 on July 11, 2009, at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) making it his third consecutive loss in the UFC.
Danzig defeated Justin Buchholz on February 6, 2010, at UFC 109 by unanimous decision with all three judges scoring it 29–28 for Danzig, snapping his three-fight losing streak.[2]
Danzig was defeated by Matt Wiman via first round technical submission at UFC 115. The stoppage was considered controversial by many as Wiman had Danzig in a guillotine choke, and referee Yves Lavigne called a stoppage despite the fact that Danzig had not submitted and was still conscious.
Danzig was expected to face Wiman again on September 15, 2010, at UFC Fight Night 22, but pulled out of the fight due to a chest injury sustained during training.[3]
Danzig then faced Joe Stevenson (season 2 Ultimate Fighter winner) on December 11, 2010, at UFC 124 and earned his first KO victory in the UFC at 1:54 of the first round. While moving backwards, Danzig landed a counter-left hook that sent Stevenson to the ground, and Danzig was subsequently awarded the Knockout of the Night bonus.[4]
Danzig was expected to face Donald Cerrone on June 11, 2011, at UFC 131 but had to withdraw due to a chest injury.[5]
A rematch with Matt Wiman took place on October 1, 2011, at UFC on Versus 6[6] with Danzig losing via unanimous decision in a bout that earned Fight of the Night honors.
Danzig faced Efrain Escudero (season 8 Ultimate Fighter winner) on April 21, 2012, at UFC 145.[7] He defeated Escudero by unanimous decision.
Danzig faced Takanori Gomi on November 10, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV 6,[8] with Danzig losing in a split decision.
Danzig next fought Melvin Guillard on July 27, 2013, at UFC on Fox 8.[9] After a close first round, Danzig lost via knockout in the second round.
Danzig faced Joe Lauzon on December 14, 2013, at UFC on Fox 9.[10] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[11]
After his loss to Lauzon, Danzig announced his retirement from MMA fighting on March 4, 2014. This concludes his overall record of 5-8 with the UFC.[12] Danzig stated he retired due to concussions and accumulated brain damage.[13]
On January 10, 2015, Danzig was awarded his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by Andy Wang and Baret Yoshida.[citation needed]
On June 17, 2017, it was announced that Danzig would make his MMA return on August 5, 2017, to face WSOF vet Joe Condon for the CFL Junior Welterweight Championship.[14] He won via rear naked choke in the third round to become the CFL Junior Welterweight Champion.
Danzig had a daughter, Nova, in November 2008.[15][16]
He has been a vegan since 2004 and is an animal rights advocate.[17]
Danzig is credited as a Mixed Martial Arts Consultant for the Nickelodeon television series The Legend of Korra.
Mac is a semi-professional nature photographer who specializes in landscape and wildlife photography.[18]
In 2015 he married fellow MMA fighter Angela Hancock (now Angela Danzig) whom he coaches and trains. Together, they live in Bend, OR with 2 children.[19]
Danzig appears as himself in the 2011 documentary Forks Over Knives.[20]
Danzig also appeared as a guest on Joe Rogan's podcast The Joe Rogan Experience in 2012.[20]
In June 2018, Danzig announced via his Instagram page that he and his wife would be moving from Los Angeles and opening their own MMA facility known as Danzig MMA in Bend, Oregon.[21]
Professional record breakdown
35 matches
22 wins
12 losses
By knockout
5
2
By submission
11
2
By decision
6
8
Draws
1
Res.
Record
Opponent
Method
Event
Date
Round
Time
Location
Notes
Win
22–12–1
Joe Condon
Submission (rear-naked choke)
CFL 11
August 5, 2017
3
2:49
Victorville, California, United States
Won the CFL Junior Welterweight Championship.
Loss
21–12–1
Decision (unanimous)
UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Benavidez 2
December 14, 2013
3
5:00
Sacramento, California, United States
Loss
21–11–1
KO (punches)
UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Moraga
July 27, 2013
2
2:47
Seattle, Washington, United States
Loss
21–10–1
Decision (split)
UFC on Fuel TV: Franklin vs. Le
November 10, 2012
3
5:00
Fight of the Night.
Win
21–9–1
Decision (unanimous)
April 21, 2012
3
5:00
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Loss
20–9–1
Decision (unanimous)
October 1, 2011
3
5:00
Washington D.C., United States
Fight of the Night.
Win
20–8–1
KO (punch)
December 11, 2010
1
1:54
Knockout of the Night.
Loss
19–8–1
Technical submission (guillotine choke)
June 12, 2010
1
1:45
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Win
19–7–1
Decision (unanimous)
February 6, 2010
3
5:00
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss
18–7–1
Decision (unanimous)
July 11, 2009
3
5:00
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss
18–6–1
Submission (triangle choke)
UFC Fight Night: Lauzon vs. Stephens
February 7, 2009
2
3:36
Tampa, Florida, United States
Fight of the Night.
Loss
18–5–1
Decision (unanimous)
UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Neer
September 17, 2008
3
5:00
Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Win
18–4–1
Submission (rear-naked choke)
April 19, 2008
3
3:48
Return to Lightweight.
Win
17–4–1
Submission (rear-naked choke)
The Ultimate Fighter: Team Hughes vs. Team Serra Finale
December 8, 2007
1
2:01
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Won The Ultimate Fighter Season 6 Welterweight Tournament.
Loss
16–4–1
KO (punch)
February 24, 2007
2
4:01
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss
16–3–1
Decision (split)
January 19, 2007
3
5:00
Rockford, Illinois, United States
Lost the KOTC Lightweight Championship.
Win
16–2–1
John Mahlow
Decision (unanimous)
KOTC: Detonator
September 29, 2006
3
5:00
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Defended the KOTC Lightweight Championship
Win
15–2–1
Buddy Clinton
Decision (unanimous)
August 4, 2006
3
5:00
San Jacinto, California, United States
Defended the KOTC Lightweight Championship.
Win
14–2–1
TKO (punches)
KOTC: Karnage
April 22, 2006
1
3:08
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Defended the KOTC Lightweight Championship.
Win
13–2–1
Jason Ireland
Decision (unanimous)
March 18, 2006
3
5:00
Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, United States
Defended the KOTC Lightweight Championship.
Win
12–2–1
TKO (corner stoppage)
October 29, 2005
3
2:45
Reno, Nevada, United States
Won the KOTC Lightweight Championship.
Win
11–2–1
Frank Kirmse
Submission (rear-naked choke)
KOTC: Shock and Awe
October 1, 2005
1
1:45
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Win
10–2–1
Nick Ertl
TKO (doctor stoppage)
GC 42: Summer Slam
September 10, 2005
1
4:14
Lakeport, California, United States
Won the Gladiator Challenge Lightweight Championship.
Win
9–2–1
Mike Valdez
Submission (rear-naked choke)
June 12, 2005
1
4:13
San Jacinto, California, United States
Win
8–2–1
Luke Spencer
Submission (rear-naked choke)
IFC: Caged Combat
May 21, 2005
1
1:56
Columbus, Ohio, United States
Win
7–2–1
Max Marin
Submission (triangle choke)
IFC: Mayhem in Montana
April 30, 2005
1
3:39
Billings, Montana, United States
Won the IFC Mayhem In Montana Tournament.
Win
6–2–1
Brandon Olsen
Submission (rear-naked choke)
IFC: Mayhem in Montana
April 30, 2005
2
2:12
Billings, Montana, United States
IFC Mayhem In Montana Tournament Semifinals.
Win
5–2–1
TKO (punches)
RM 5: Road to the Championship
June 27, 2004
1
1:22
Tijuana, Mexico
Draw
4–2–1
Draw
Gladiator Challenge 25
April 20, 2004
2
5:00
Porterville, California, United States
Loss
4–2
Decision (unanimous)
Extreme Challenge 54
October 12, 2003
3
3:00
Lakemoor, Illinois, United States
Win
4–1
Tripstin Kersiano
Submission (rear-naked choke)
Gladiator Challenge 14
February 16, 2003
2
1:49
Porterville, California, United States
Loss
3–1
Decision (unanimous)
August 31, 2002
3
5:00
Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win
3–0
Brandon Bledsoe
Submission (rear-naked choke)
Gladiator Challenge 10
April 14, 2002
1
0:56
Colusa, California, United States
Win
2–0
Ray Totorico
Submission (omoplata)
Reality Combat Fighting 12
October 20, 2001
1
1:30
Houma, Louisiana, United States
Win
1–0
Cedric Stewart
Decision (split)
Extreme Challenge Trials
October 7, 2001
3
5:00
Decatur, Illinois, United States
Exhibition record breakdown
3 matches
3 wins
0 losses
By knockout
0
0
By submission
3
0
Res.
Record
Opponent
Method
Event
Date
Round
Time
Location
Notes
Win
3–0
Submission (rear-naked choke)
The Ultimate Fighter: Team Hughes vs Team Serra
15 July 2007
1
4:29
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
The Ultimate Fighter: Team Hughes vs Team Serra semi-finals
Win
2–0
Submission (rear-naked choke)
The Ultimate Fighter: Team Hughes vs Team Serra
3 July 2007
1
3:57
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
The Ultimate Fighter: Team Hughes vs Team Serra quarter-finals
Win
1–0
Submission (triangle choke)
The Ultimate Fighter: Team Hughes vs Team Serra
11 June 2007
1
4:55
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
The Ultimate Fighter: Team Hughes vs Team Serra first round
Amateur record breakdown
6 matches
5 wins
1 loss
By knockout
0
1
By submission
4
0
By decision
1
0
[23]
Res.
Record
Opponent
Method
Event
Date
Round
Time
Location
Notes
Win
5-1
Joe Jordan
Decision (unanimous)
ECT: 2001 US National Championships
January 5, 2002
2
5:00
Davenport, Iowa, United States
Became Extreme Trials 2001 National Lightweight MMA Champion.
Win
4-1
Tim Hernandez
Submission (arm bar)
ECT: 2001 US National Championships
January 5, 2002
3
1:20
Davenport, Iowa, United States
Win
3–1
Jason Halderman
Submission (arm bar)
EC: Extreme Challenge Trials
August 25, 2001
1
2:42
Great Falls, Montana, United States
Won EC Regional Amateur Championship.
Win
2–1
Michael Rooney
Submission (heel hook)
EC: Extreme Challenge Trials
August 25, 2001
1
1:06
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Win
1–1
Kurt Kindred
Submission (calf-slicer)
EC: Extreme Challenge Trials
August 25, 2001
2
4:51
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Loss
0-1
Kurt Pellegrino
TKO (doctor stoppage - cut)
MD2: Mass Destruction 2
June 23, 2001
1
5:06
Springfield, Massachusetts, United States
1 fight
0 wins
1 loss
By knockout
0
1
By decision
0
0
No.
Result
Record
Opponent
Method
Round, time
Date
Location
Notes
1
Loss
0–1
Nick Brooks
KO
1 (4)
Feb 18, 2005
Memorial Civic Auditorium, Stockton, California, U.S.
King of the Cage Lightweight champion
October 29, 2005 – January 19, 2007
Season (Winner)
Finale
